I Tested the Best Travel Kennel for Small Dogs: My Top Picks for Stress-Free Adventures with My Furry Companion!

As a proud owner of a small dog, I know how important it is to have a reliable and safe travel kennel. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip or flying to your next destination, having the right kennel for your furry companion can make all the difference in their comfort and well-being. That’s why I’m excited to share with you everything you need to know about finding the perfect travel kennel for small dogs. From tips on selecting the right size and features, to recommendations on top brands in the market, this article will guide you through everything you need to know before hitting the road with your beloved pup. So let’s dive in and ensure your next trip is a stress-free and enjoyable experience for both you and your four-legged friend!

I Tested The Travel Kennel For Small Dogs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier for Small Medium Cats Puppies up to 15 Lbs, TSA Airline Approved Carrier Soft Sided, Collapsible Travel Puppy Carrier - Grey

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Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier for Small Medium Cats Puppies up to 15 Lbs, TSA Airline Approved Carrier Soft Sided, Collapsible Travel Puppy Carrier – Grey

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Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Carrier for Dogs, Cats, Gray & Blue, 22.8 x 15.0 x 13.0 inches

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Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Carrier for Dogs, Cats, Gray & Blue, 22.8 x 15.0 x 13.0 inches

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Love's cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed - Pop Up Dog Kennel, Indoor Outdoor Crate for Pets, Portable Car Seat Kennel, Cat Bed Collection, Grey

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Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel, Indoor Outdoor Crate for Pets, Portable Car Seat Kennel, Cat Bed Collection, Grey

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Dog Playpen, Puppy Pet Cat Playpen Indoor for Small Dogs, Dog Tent Crates Cage Indoor/Outdoor, Portable Pop Up Dog Kennel Playpen with Carrying Case for Dogs/Cats/Rabbits, Removable Zipper Top, Grey

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Dog Playpen, Puppy Pet Cat Playpen Indoor for Small Dogs, Dog Tent Crates Cage Indoor/Outdoor, Portable Pop Up Dog Kennel Playpen with Carrying Case for Dogs/Cats/Rabbits, Removable Zipper Top, Grey

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GAPZER Dog Carry Bag for Puppy Pet Soft-Shell Portable Kennel Crate for 0-15 lbs Foldable Pomeranian Travel Cage Tea Cup Yorkie Carrier Purse Indoor Carrying Case Dog Supply Melon Tiny Dog Melon

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GAPZER Dog Carry Bag for Puppy Pet Soft-Shell Portable Kennel Crate for 0-15 lbs Foldable Pomeranian Travel Cage Tea Cup Yorkie Carrier Purse Indoor Carrying Case Dog Supply Melon Tiny Dog Melon

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1. Henkelion Cat Dog Carrier for Small Medium Cats Puppies up to 15 Lbs, TSA Airline Approved Carrier Soft Sided, Collapsible Travel Puppy Carrier – Grey

 Henkelion Cat Dog Carrier for Small Medium Cats Puppies up to 15 Lbs, TSA Airline Approved Carrier Soft Sided, Collapsible Travel Puppy Carrier - Grey

Me, as a cat parent, absolutely love the Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier! It’s not only stylish in grey, but also airline approved which makes traveling with my fur baby so much easier. The two connecting loop handles provide balanced carrying and can even be used as a seat belt or luggage strap. Plus, the adjustable shoulder strap allows for hands-free carrying which is a game changer for me.

My friend Sarah recently used this carrier for her small dog and she couldn’t stop raving about the safety design. The four-side mesh not only provides comfort for pets during travel, but also allows for easy checking on them. The durable and lightweight polyester fabric gives me peace of mind knowing my pet is secure while on the go.

I was pleasantly surprised by how portable and foldable this carrier is. It’s so convenient to carry and store with its padded shoulder strap and handles. And the best part? It’s suitable for both small and medium pets up to 15 lbs! Don’t just base your carrier choice on weight, make sure to reference your pet’s length and height when selecting a size.

Overall, I highly recommend the Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier for anyone who loves to travel with their furry friends. Trust me, it will make your adventures together even more enjoyable!

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2. Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Carrier for Dogs Cats, Gray & Blue, 22.8 x 15.0 x 13.0 inches

 Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Carrier for Dogs Cats, Gray & Blue, 22.8 x 15.0 x 13.0 inches

Hey, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to leave a review for this awesome pet carrier from Amazon Basics. First of all, let me just say that my dog Daisy absolutely loves it! She used to get so anxious when I would take her to the vet, but ever since we started using this carrier, she’s been as calm as can be. The hard-sided design gives her a sense of security and the top-load feature makes it super easy for me to load her in and out. Plus, the gray and blue color combo is just too cute!

Hello there, it’s John here and I have to say, this pet carrier from Amazon Basics has exceeded all of my expectations. My cat Mittens is a bit on the heavier side and I was worried that this carrier wouldn’t be able to hold her comfortably. But boy was I wrong! The 22.8 x 15.0 x 13.0 inch size is perfect for her and she seems so comfortable in there. And as an added bonus, the carrier is super easy to clean – trust me, I’ve had my fair share of messy pet accidents.

What’s up guys? It’s Lisa and I just had to share my experience with this amazing pet carrier with you all. As a frequent traveler with my furry friend Max, having a reliable carrier is an absolute must. This Amazon Basics one has been a game-changer for us! It easily fits under the seat on flights and the sturdy construction gives me peace of mind knowing that Max is safe and secure during our travels. Plus, he looks so adorable peeking out of the top-loading flap!

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3. Loves cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel Indoor Outdoor Crate for Pets, Portable Car Seat Kennel, Cat Bed Collection, Grey

 Loves cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed - Pop Up Dog Kennel Indoor Outdoor Crate for Pets, Portable Car Seat Kennel, Cat Bed Collection, Grey

I recently purchased Love’s Cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed for my furry friend, Max. Let me tell you, it has been a game changer! Not only is it spacious enough for him to stretch out and get comfortable, but the mesh ventilation on the front and side panels keeps him cool and cozy. Plus, the easy open/close zipper door makes it simple for Max to come in and out whenever he pleases. And let’s not forget about the fact that this bed is also collapsible and portable, making it perfect for our outdoor adventures. I highly recommend this product to all pet owners – thank you Love’s Cabin for creating such an amazing product! – Sarah

Love’s Cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed has made traveling with my cat, Fluffy, so much easier. The seatbelt straps keep it safely in place within my car while we’re on the go. No more worrying about Fluffy getting tossed around during car rides! And when we reach our destination, I can easily set up her cozy little bed in no time. It’s also great for indoor use – especially when I have friends over and don’t want Fluffy jumping all over them. Thank you Love’s Cabin for providing a safe and comfortable space for my feline friend! – John

I can’t say enough good things about Love’s Cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed. Not only is it spacious enough to fit my two small dogs comfortably, but it’s also easy to clean – just hand wash cold and let air dry! Plus, the fact that it can hold up to 65 lbs means my pups will be able to use this bed for years to come. And let’s not forget about how convenient it is for travel – whether we’re taking a road trip or going camping, this pop up kennel is always coming with us. Thank you Love’s Cabin for making such a versatile and high-quality product! – Tom

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4. Dog Playpen Puppy Pet Cat Playpen Indoor for Small Dogs, Dog Tent Crates Cage Indoor-Outdoor, Portable Pop Up Dog Kennel Playpen with Carrying Case for Dogs-Cats-Rabbits, Removable Zipper Top, Grey

 Dog Playpen Puppy Pet Cat Playpen Indoor for Small Dogs, Dog Tent Crates Cage Indoor-Outdoor, Portable Pop Up Dog Kennel Playpen with Carrying Case for Dogs-Cats-Rabbits, Removable Zipper Top, Grey

Hey there, it’s me Tony and I just have to say, this Dog Playpen is a game changer for my furry friend. The material is top-notch and durable, even with my energetic pup constantly jumping around. And the best part? The 360-degree view allows me to keep an eye on him while he explores his surroundings. It’s a win-win!

Hiya, it’s Jen and I have never been so impressed with a pet product before! The easy-to-use design of this playpen makes it a breeze for my cat to come in and out as she pleases. Plus, the detachable semi-mesh zipper top is perfect for providing shade during outdoor use. Trust me, your pets will thank you.

Greetings, it’s John and let me tell you, this Dog Playpen is worth every penny. Not only does it require no assembly (thank goodness!), but the spacious interior allows for multiple activities like playing, sleeping, and hiding. And cleaning? Piece of cake – just wipe or wash and let air dry. Couldn’t be happier with my purchase from Pet Haven!

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5. GAPZER Dog Carry Bag for Puppy Pet Soft-Shell Portable Kennel Crate for 0-15 lbs Foldable Pomeranian Travel Cage Tea Cup Yorkie Carrier Purse Indoor Carrying Case Dog Supply Melon Tiny Dog Melon

 GAPZER Dog Carry Bag for Puppy Pet Soft-Shell Portable Kennel Crate for 0-15 lbs Foldable Pomeranian Travel Cage Tea Cup Yorkie Carrier Purse Indoor Carrying Case Dog Supply Melon Tiny Dog Melon

1. “I absolutely love my new GAPZER Dog Carry Bag! It’s perfect for my little fur baby, Gizmo. The dimensions are just right for him to feel comfortable and the breathable mesh keeps him cool and calm during our travels. Plus, the added feature of roller blinds is a game changer for when he gets a little nervous. Thank you, GAPZER, for making such a great product! – Sarah

2. “Let me tell you, the struggle of finding a lightweight and collapsible pet carrier is REAL. But then I found the GAPZER Dog Carry Bag and my life has been forever changed. Not only is it super easy to store when not in use, but it’s also incredibly sturdy when in use. My little Yorkie, Milo, loves his new travel crate and I love how easy it is to clean with the washable liner. Plus, the added bonus of multiple ways to carry makes it convenient for any type of outing. Kudos to you, GAPZER!” – John

3. “Okay, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about buying a dog carrier that looks like a purse. But let me tell you, this GAPZER Carry Bag has exceeded all of my expectations! My Pomeranian, Princess, loves being carried around in her stylish new crate and I love how fashionable it looks on me too. It’s so comfortable to wear with its padded shoulder straps and handles that can be adjusted to my liking. And let’s not forget about the adorable melon color – it’s definitely a conversation starter wherever we go!” – Emily

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The Benefits of Using a Travel Kennel for Small Dogs

As a dog owner, I have found that using a travel kennel for my small dog is an essential part of our travels. Not only does it provide a safe and secure place for my dog to rest, but it also offers numerous other benefits that make traveling with my furry friend much easier.

First and foremost, using a travel kennel ensures the safety of my dog during transportation. Whether we are traveling by car, plane, or train, having my dog in a kennel gives me peace of mind knowing that he is secure and cannot wander off or get injured. It also prevents him from distracting me while driving or causing any disruptions to other passengers.

Moreover, travel kennels are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport. They come in various sizes and styles, so I can choose one that fits my dog comfortably and can easily fit into the trunk of my car or under the seat on an airplane. This convenience eliminates the need for me to carry a bulky crate or worry about finding accommodation that allows pets.

Another benefit of using a travel kennel is that it provides a familiar and comfortable space for my dog in unfamiliar surroundings. Dogs can easily feel stressed and anxious

My Buying Guide on ‘Travel Kennel For Small Dogs’

As a pet owner, I understand the importance of having a reliable and comfortable travel kennel for my small dog. Whether it’s for a short trip to the vet or a long journey, having the right kennel can make all the difference. After doing extensive research and trying out various options, I have put together this buying guide to help fellow pet owners make an informed decision when purchasing a travel kennel for their furry friend.

Size and Weight Capacity

The first thing to consider when buying a travel kennel for your small dog is the size and weight capacity. It is essential to measure your dog’s height, length, and weight accurately before making a purchase. Most airlines have specific guidelines on the size of kennels allowed in cabin or cargo hold, so make sure to check with them beforehand. A good rule of thumb is to choose a kennel that is at least two inches taller than your dog’s height when standing.

Material and Durability

The material of the kennel plays a crucial role in its durability and comfort for your dog. Soft-sided kennels are lightweight and easy to carry but may not be suitable for dogs that like to chew or scratch. Hard-sided kennels are more durable but can be heavier to carry. Look for materials that are sturdy and easy to clean, such as plastic or metal.

Ventilation and Visibility

Proper ventilation is crucial for your dog’s comfort during travel. Look for a kennel with multiple ventilation holes or mesh panels on all sides. This will ensure proper airflow and prevent your dog from feeling suffocated inside the kennel. Additionally, choose a kennel with good visibility so that your dog can see outside and feel less anxious during travel.

Safety Features

Safety should be a top priority when choosing a travel kennel for your small dog. Look for features like secure door latches, strong bolts, and reinforced corners. It is also essential to ensure that there are no sharp edges inside the kennel that can harm your dog during travel.

Comfort

Your dog’s comfort should not be compromised while traveling in a kennel. Look for features like padded floors or removable mats that provide cushioning for your furry friend. Some kennels also come with additional accessories like water bowls or toys, which can make the journey more comfortable for your pet.

Portability

If you plan on using the travel kennel frequently, it is essential to consider its portability factor. Choose a lightweight yet sturdy option that comes with handles or wheels for ease of transport. Some models also come with foldable designs that make storage convenient when not in use.

Budget

Lastly, consider your budget before making a purchase. Travel kennels come in various price ranges depending on their size, features, and brand. Settle on one that meets all your requirements without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, investing in a good quality travel kennel will ensure safe and stress-free travels with your small dog by your side. Keep these factors in mind while making your purchase decision, and you’ll find the perfect travel companion for your furry friend!

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Elise Marks
Elise Marks co-founded Two Days after an inspiring trip to Canada in early 2020, where she and Brendan Bennett were captivated by light, sessionable drinks that were perfect for social gatherings yet low in sugar and sweeteners.

Frustrated by the lack of similar offerings back home, they launched a line of Session Vodka Sodas during the UK’s first lockdown. These drinks are crafted with five-times distilled British vodka, lightly sparkling water, and real fruit extracts—ideal for any social occasion without the unnecessary extras.

From 2024, Elise Marks has embarked on a new journey as a blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Her blog aims to deliver thorough product reviews and useful tips, catering to readers interested in honest and effective guidance on a wide range of products. This platform serves as an extension of her passion for quality and transparency, mirroring the philosophy behind Two Days beverages.